New resource to help Aboriginal people get on the road

06-Jul-2012

Aboriginal people who need some extra help to earn their driver licence will benefit from a new resource kit developed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS),
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello announced today.

The Aboriginal Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) Listen and Learn tool kit includes an audio CD to help people who may struggle to learn through written materials
alone.

Mr Dominello said getting a driver license is important not just for driving, but also for work and identification.

"The NSW Government is committed to improving rates of employment for Aboriginal people and a driver licence is a valuable key to participation in the
workforce," Mr Dominello said.

"It is an essential qualification for many jobs and allows you to drive to and from work".

"A driver licence is also useful as a form of photographic identification, making it easier to do things like open a bank account or apply for a rental
lease," Mr Dominello said.

Mr Dominello said the Listen and Learn tool kit had been developed by RMS to address the under-representation of the Aboriginal community in the state's
driver licensing and vehicle registration system.

While Aboriginal people are under represented as holders of car licences and registrations, they are over represented with unauthorised driving offences.

"The Listen and Learn tool kit is free and I encourage Aboriginal people to use it and get licenced," Mr Dominello said.